A quick glance at the P224 dispels any doubts you may have about its heritage. Its looks, feel, and heft scream "P226," although when you pick it up the differences are immediately evident. The P224 is lighter, smaller, and sports a shorter barrel than either the P226 or P229.

The M&P Shield may have a condition where the trigger bar pin could damage the lower trigger and affect the functionality of the drop safety feature. As a result, the pistol could potentially discharge if dropped, according to the alert.

The 9mm Springfield Armory XD-S sub-compact pistol is designed to function with a single column magazine, and is a departure from the traditional pocket pistols that were available in the 20th century because the new XD-S is chambered in 9mm and .45 ACP calibers.

The P224 is basically a P229 that has been cut down to fit the traditional dimensions of a subcompact. It's available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. The SAS (anti-snag) model also features a recessed hammer and a dehorned slide and frame.

Today Beretta's Model 92 gets all the attention, but the company has not forgotten its roots and still offers a number of blowback-operated, sub-compact pistols. The .32 ACP Beretta Tomcat is an extremely small concealed carry pistol that some officers use for backup and off-duty carry.

Sturm, Ruger, and Co. introduced a .380-caliber version of its LCP at SHOT Show that improves capacity and smoother racking of the slide. The subcompact LC380 offers a seven-round magazine, one additional round from the LCP 9mm autoloader.

The XD Sub-Compact pistols scored well in my CQB drills. I had no problem using the 9mm XD Sub-Compact to consistently engage a steel plate the same size as the scoring area of a TQ19 Police Qualification Target at various distances, including at longer ranges.

With its M&P Shield subcompact pistol, Smith & Wesson is revisiting a concept that once made history. The Shield hearkens back to the S&W Model 39, the first modern DA/SA pistol with a single column magazine and a thin grip.

Smith & Wesson's M&P9 Shield has been designed for civilian concealed carry, but is also an excellent undercover or off-duty weapon. Our full coverage of the Shield includes Paul Scarlata's full "Arsenal" review; Nick Jacobellis' blog on why the pistol is ideal for officers; and a marketing video from S&W. This gallery includes exclusive photos that didn't appear in print. Photos by Michael Hughes and Nick Jacobellis.